| u schedule a vacation, you have two main options - | | | | Agent A charges 10% while Travel Agent B charges |
| booking everything yourself or working with a travel | | | | just 5%, you will get a much nicer $5,000 vacation with |
| agent. Although many think that they can save money | | | | the second agent because less of your total budget is |
| if they do the work solo, you can often get special | | | | being paid for fees. Also, it is important to review |
| deals if you work with a travel agent. However, keep | | | | pricing policies before you start working together so |
| in mind that your vacation can be much improved if | | | | that you are both clear on your overall budget. If you |
| you ask the right questions. Here are the top questions | | | | do not specify that your total budget amount includes |
| you should ask your travel agent while making | | | | the travel agents fee, you could find hundreds of |
| vacation arrangements: | | | | dollars tacked onto the end when it is all said and done. |
| Question #1: Can I get a better deal if I travel on | | | | Question #4: Where can I find more information about |
| different dates? | | | | my destination? |
| If your vacation time is somewhat flexible, you might | | | | Travel agents will usually give you some brochures |
| be able to get a better deal. Originally, your travel | | | | and other information about your vacation location. |
| agent will put together a package based on the exact | | | | However, if you want to do even more research, ask |
| departure and return dates your give him or her. | | | | your travel agent where you can get started. He or |
| However, if that total price still seems a bit high to you, | | | | she might have some excellent books you can borrow |
| inquire about changing your dates of travel, even if it is | | | | or know other great websites chock full of travel |
| only by a day or two. You can usually get a better | | | | information for people unfamiliar with a particular |
| deal on flights, for example, if you travel on off-peak | | | | destination. |
| days, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. | | | | Question #5: Do I need a passport or visa? |
| Hotels may have similar mid-week rates, and some | | | | Laws regarding travel documents are changing all of |
| tourist attractions even have different rates for | | | | the time. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the |
| weekdays rather than weekends. Before you cut your | | | | United States, even if it is just through international |
| vacation short, ask about moving the entire schedule | | | | waters, make sure that you understand what |
| by a day or two - you might be pleasantly surprised at | | | | documents or permissions you need to travel legally. |
| the recalculated price. | | | | Although many travel agents will give you the |
| Question #2: Are the tickets refundable? | | | | information you need when you first begin working |
| When you work with a travel agent, you will probably | | | | together, some assume that you are taking care of |
| be booking your vacation months in advance. In that | | | | this yourself. What do I need to travel to my |
| time, circumstances in your life can change. But often | | | | destination? should be one of the first questions out |
| your tickets are not refundable if you choose to cancel | | | | of your mouth when booking a vacation and it is a |
| the trip, nor can they be exchanged if you want to | | | | good idea to continuously double check this information, |
| alter some details of your vacation plans. Sometimes, | | | | as laws may change. Remember, you should apply for |
| even if the airlines, hotels, etc. allow you to change or | | | | travel documentation at least three months before |
| cancel, your travel agent requires a cancellation fee for | | | | leaving - and in some cases, even earlier. If you do not |
| the time she put into planning your vacation. Make sure | | | | have the proper documentation, you will be stuck in the |
| you discuss these potential charges before you begin | | | | United States, and you likely will not be refunded for |
| working together. Also, if reservations can be | | | | the vacation you missed. |
| exchanged, note whether deadlines are from the date | | | | Your travel agent should be willing to answer all of the |
| of ticket issue or the date of travel. Policies vary from | | | | above-listed questions and more. That is their job - |
| company to company. | | | | making your vacation go as smoothly as possible. |
| Question #3: How much is your fee? | | | | When choosing a travel agent, make sure that you |
| It is not impolite to ask about the surcharges. While you | | | | find one who is friendly, knowledgeable, and able to |
| may feel weird asking upfront about money, this is the | | | | answer whatever questions you might have about |
| best way to find a travel agent who will stick to your | | | | your vacation and travel plans. |
| budget while still getting you a great vacation. If Travel | | | | |